Contents

Effect

Generation II

When this move is used, a sandstorm will brew. This effect will last for 5 turns. This clears any other weather, but will fail when the weather is already sandstorm.

While Sandstorm is in effect, all Pokémon who are neither Steel-, Rock-, nor Ground-type will be damaged ⅛ of their maximum HP at the end of each turn. Pokémon in the semi-invulnerable turn of Dig will also not take damage from Sandstorm, regardless of type. Also, the moves Synthesis, Morning Sun, and Moonlight will recover only half as much HP as under clear conditions.

Generation III

The damage inflicted at the end of each turn is decreased to 1/16 of the Pokémon's maximum HP. Pokémon with the Sand Veil Ability have the accuracy of any move used against them modified by a factor of 4/5 when Sandstorm is in effect, and are immune to Sandstorm's damaging effect. Moonlight, Synthesis, and Morning Sun now only restore ¼ of the user's maximum HP. Dive will also prevent damage from Sandstorm during the semi-invulnerable turn.

Generation IV onward

All Rock-type Pokémon will now have their Special Defense raised by 50% for the duration of the sandstorm. Also, if a Smooth Rock is held when Sandstorm is used, its duration is lengthened from 5 to 8 turns.

Pokémon with the Sand Rush Ability have their Speed doubled, while Pokémon with Sand Force get a power boost of 30% for their Rock-, Ground- and Steel-type moves. Both of these Abilities grant an immunity to Sandstorm's damaging effect.

Steelix lifts its head straight up and spins around, creating a sand tornado, or the rocks with the giant spikes on Steelix's upper-body spin rapidly and sand is released from them, or Steelix floats into the air and starts rapidly spinning around in circles. It then fires a sandstorm at the opponent from its body.

Aggron swings its arms so one of them is in the air and its body becomes surrounded by a spiral of sand that knocks back the opponent, or Aggron stomps on the ground, kicking up dirt and sending a sand cyclone at the opponent.

Larvitar points the horn on its head at the opponent and waves it around in circles, making a sand tornado come out and push the opponent back, or Larvitar jumps into the air, glowing several different colors and then stomps down onto the ground, causing sand to swirl out from under it in all directions.

Roggenrola spins its body, causing a large tornado of sand to form around it, or Roggenrola lowers its head slightly and a tornado of sand appears around its body. The tornado then shoots out and hits the opponent, or Roggenrola jumps into the air, glowing several different colors and then stomps down onto the ground, causing sand to swirl out from under it in all directions.

Carbink spins its body in a counterclockwise direction and then a sandstorm swirls around it, causing Pokémon to be hit by it and/or sent flying from the strong winds that are created by it or it flies in the air in a circular rotation with the front of its body always facing towards the centre of the storm will be and then it creates the sandstorm.